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PMS 518 C (System / collection: Pantone PMS) presents as a very dark, muted purple. Its visual presence is described as sophisticated, subdued, technical, low-key, and rich. The color's character is grounded in its very low light reflectance, making it functionally deep and atmospheric in environments where subtlety and visual restraint are important. PMS 518 C is widely referenced in branding and marketing materials for its mature and reserved undertone.

PMS 518 C exhibits extremely low lightness (LRV: 3.52), appearing nearly black under certain lighting conditions. The color is cool-leaning for a purple, with muted red-violet undertones. It shows moderate chroma, producing a saturated yet controlled appearance. PMS 518 C maintains strong saturation in both gloss and matte finishes, but increased sheen can emphasize its depth and may slightly increase the visible richness. The undertone is subtly bluish, imparting a cooler and more technical effect compared to warmer purples and maroons.

PMS 518 C is operationally appropriate for use when a dark, reserved purple is needed for branding assets, display components, or packaging. The low reflectance value means it is well-suited for applications where glare must be minimized or where color richness in low light is desirable. Users should account for the pronounced darkening in low or indirect light, and test the color on the intended substrate and finish to confirm appearance, especially since similar deep purples may diverge noticeably under different lighting or material conditions. As with most saturated dark purples, application may require additional coats for full hide.

Similar colors:
PMS 519 C: Slightly lighter and more chromatic, appearing brighter and less muted than PMS 518 C.

PMS 2627 C: Warmer and more reddish, lacking the bluish undertone of PMS 518 C.

PMS 5115 C: Slightly more neutral, with less saturated purple content and a somewhat softer appearance.

Product Data

About Pantone and MyPerfectColor

MyPerfectColor is the official licensee of Pantone and authorized to reproduce the Pantone™ PMS 518 C color in spray paint and other paints.

MyPerfectColor helps marketing professionals turn graphic designs into physical reality. Whether you are a manufacturer, entrepreneur, industrial designer, prototyper/modeler, marketer, agency, printer, retailer, sign manufacturer, exhibit fabricator or architect, MyPerfectColor will help you nail the PMS 518 C color and produce outstanding results.

MyPerfectColor matches the Pantone PMS 518 C color based on Pantone color publications. The PMS 518 C color shown on this website are computer video simulations of the PANTONE PMS 518 C Color and may not match PANTONE®-identified Color standards. Refer to current PANTONE Publications to obtain accurate color.

The Pantone PMS 518 C color may vary from the PANTONE Color Standards based on lighting conditions, angle of view and/or due to differences in pigments, manufacturing process, substrate and/or limitations in the color capability of the paint. Refer to current PANTONE Publications to obtain accurate color.

PANTONE® and other Pantone trademarks are the property of Pantone LLC. Portions © Pantone LLC, 2019. Produced under License Agreement between MyPerfectColor.com and Pantone LLC.

Pantone

Frequently Asked Questions About Pantone™ PMS 518 C

What do I need to consider about durability when using PMS 518 C in spray paint for displays or branded elements?

The durability of PMS 518 C spray paint depends on proper surface preparation, the choice of paint chemistry, appropriate use of primers, and whether a protective topcoat is applied. For branding, display, or marketing applications, choose the paint type based on indoor or outdoor exposure needs. For outdoor or high-traffic placements, using a compatible primer and a clear protective topcoat will provide best results. Environmental factors like UV, moisture, and abrasion can affect the longevity and appearance of PMS 518 C, especially since dark purples may show marks or fading more readily on displays or signage. For short-term or controlled environments, a standard spray paint may suffice, but for permanent or exposed installations, consider higher performance coatings and always follow product instructions for prep and application to maintain color consistency.

If I need to closely match the color of an existing object finished in PMS 518 C, is ordering paint by Pantone code the right approach?

Ordering PMS 518 C by Pantone code is intended for visually aligning new marketing, display, or branded items to the Pantone reference color. If you need to match the color of an existing part, panel, or product for a visually seamless result, the best path is to send an actual sample for a custom match. Pantone code-based paint can reproduce the brand target, but may not account for aging, finish differences, or prior coating variability. Always use Pantone PMS 518 C for new spec work where the reference is the brand color, not for matching previous surfaces or repairs.

How should I approach using PMS 518 C for prototypes or concept models when visual brand accuracy is needed?

For prototypes or concept models where alignment with the PMS 518 C reference is important, select a paint format suited to your project's needs, such as spray paint, paint pens, or brush-in-cap bottles. Evaluate the color on the intended substrate and in the lighting conditions similar to your final application, since low reflectance purples like PMS 518 C can shift in appearance. Because this color is very dark and saturated, expect to use additional coats for full coverage. Always review the final sample before approval of large-scale production or public-facing brand elements, especially if accurate brand impression is critical at the prototype stage.

What are the expected lead times for receiving PMS 518 C paint in spray or other formats?

PMS 518 C paint is mixed to order. Production lead times depend on the selected format, current production volume, and shipping requirements. Custom paint formats such as spray paint, paint pens, and housepaint typically require extra processing time compared to off-the-shelf products. Plan for potential lead time, especially if your schedule is driven by installation or event dates, and confirm production estimates during checkout. Ordering well in advance is recommended for marketing, display, or fabrication projects where delivery timing is critical.

How quickly will I receive my paint matched to Pantone PMS 518 C?
All paint is custom-made to order. While most orders ship within 48 hours, the lead-time for paint made to match Pantone PMS 518 C depends on the type of paint needed. Interior and exterior house paints usually ship within 1 to 3 business days, while custom spray paint typically takes 3-5 business days to ship. The transit time depends on your location and the shipping method you choose. If your need is immediate, select Expedited Production during checkout. Most expedited production orders ship within 24 hours on business days. Please contact MyPerfectColor if you are concerned about a specific deadline. We do our best to make sure you get your paint on time. Learn more about paint lead times at MyPerfectColor.
Can I use the Pantone PMS 518 C for touch up?

Unfortunately, no.

Some manufacturers specify Pantone colors as touch up for their products, but Pantone does not work well as a proxy for a touch-up solution (for a litany of reasons such as it doesn't include sheen and Pantone color tolerances are not tight enough for touch up). When we match Pantone colors we are matching to a swatch in a Pantone book - not to your product.

The only way we can provide a touch-up solution for your product is for you send us a part. We would use the part to create a touch-up grade match. Unfortunately, there isn't an effective way to 'spec' the color well enough to produce a touch up without the part.

Read more about using Pantone for touch-up.

Learn more about our paint color matching service.

How do I buy paint in the Pantone PMS 518 C?
Many types of paint are available for Pantone PMS 518 C with no minimum order quantities. MyPerfectColor offers spray paint, paint pens, touch up bottles, water-based acrylics, epoxies, urethanes and a variety of other paints. Select the Paint Type button above to get started. Learn more about buying paint at MyPerfectColor.
How much area will one spray can cover? And what is Pantone PMS 518 C spray paint made of?

To make spray paint matched to Pantone PMS 518 C. MyPerfectColor uses an acrylic enamel which is a fast-drying durable coating suitable for interior or exterior use. MyPerfectColor custom spray paint enables you to conveniently achieve a professional spray-smooth finish in any color in any sheen. It sticks well to most surfaces including metal, plastics, powder-coatings, cabinets and primed or previously painted wood.

The 11oz spray will cover about 20 square feet per coat. Keep in mind that it is difficult to gauge how much spray you'll need as it is highly dependent on how it is applied. It is better to have too much than run short.

How do I get the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for paint matched to Pantone PMS 518 C?
The Pantone PMS 518 C is the color and the SDS is based on the type of paint used to make the color. You can find Safety Data Sheets here for our most popular products.
Do I need a primer for Pantone PMS 518 C?
The need for primer for Pantone PMS 518 C depends on the type of paint, the substrate being painted and where it will be located. See our Primer Selection Table to see what primer you might need and learn more about when you might need a primer. Most people don't use a primer for a touch up paint application, but a primer may improve adhesion and is typically recommended for exterior applications.
How do I convert PMS 518 C to a different color from another paint company?

While MyPerfectColor can provide PMS 518 C in paint, we don't provide any crossover information. We've found that every paint company offers its own unique selection of colors and rarely does a color have an exact equivalent in another company's color collection, especially for a color collection like Pantone which is designed for bright colors and inks.